Thursday 11 May 2017 17:03, UK
Fulham's best chance of keeping Ryan Sessegnon at the club is to win promotion, says Slavisa Jokanovic.
Sessegnon, who only turns 17 in May, has already established himself as Jokanovic's first-choice left-back in an impressive season which has seen Fulham reach the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.
The teenager's form has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool interested in bringing the full-back to Anfield this summer, according to Sky sources, but Jokanovic believes play-off success can help them retain their prize asset.
"If we get promoted, it's the best way to keep him," he said. "I've talked many times about him and personally I believe he is in the right place, he doesn't need to change in this moment.
"It will depend on different sides. For myself, I think we will fight to be working with him next season.
"Ryan Sessegnon is fully committed with us and is working hard."
A place in the Wembley final against either Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield awaits if Fulham can beat Reading over two legs in their play-off semi-final.
Fulham face the Royals at Craven Cottage this Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2, and Jokanovic has no reservations about fielding Sessegnon despite his young age.
"This player is a strong character, I don't have any problem putting him in the team in this game," added Jokanovic.
"He showed in the past he can play with all kinds of pressure, if he is in the team it won't be strange.
"He will be a special player in the future. Right now he is a good project and has huge space in front of him to improve.
"He works very well and is only 16 but his mind is like an experienced player. He has a bright future."
Tottenham were also thought to be interested in Sessegnon earlier this season.
